Force Table Lab Experiment

Force Table Lab Experiment
UNIVERSITY OF BAGHDAD
AL-KHWARZIMI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
Abdullah Araz Nabeel | Physics Lab | 27/11/2023

Introduction
A force table is a simple physics lab
apparatus that demonstrates the
concept of addition of forces on a
two-dimensional field. Also called a
force board, the force table allows
users to calculate the sum of vector
forces from weighted chains that
pull a central ring.
Objective
The objective of this experiment is
to study vectors and compare
experimental results with graphical
and analytical calculations by
finding a resultant force that
balances out the given force so that
the system will be in equilibrium.
PAGE 1
Apparatus
− Force table
− Ring
− Pulleys with attachments
− String
− Hangers
− Weight holders
− Set of masses
− Protractor
− Spirit Levels
− Ruler
PAGE 2
Procedure
1. Setup:
− Set up the force table on a stable surface.
− Ensure that the force table is leveled using the
spirit levels.
− Attach the ring to the center of the force table.
2. Attaching Pulleys:
− Attach pulleys to the force table around the
circumference. Make sure they are evenly
distributed.
3. Attaching Strings:
− Tie strings to the ring and pass them through
the pulleys. The strings should be connected at
their other ends.
4. Attaching Weights:
− Attach weight holders to the hanger
− Place known masses in the weight holders.
These masses will act as forces in the
experiment
PAGE 3
5. Initial Setup:
− Set up the system with three forces (strings)
pulling from the ring in different directions.
− Use a protractor to measure the angles between
the strings.
− Record the angles and the masses in the data
table.
6. Vector Addition:
− Use the ruler to measure the force vectors’
lengths on the force table diagram.
− Draw the force vectors to scale on a separate
piece of paper.
− Use vector addition techniques to determine the
resultant force.
7. Experimental Observations:
− Record any observations about the system, such
as the equilibrium of forces
8. Repeat:
− Repeat the with force configurations, adjusting
the angles and masses
PAGE 4
Discussion:
1. What is the relation do you find between the

weights of the floating body and the weight of
water that is displaced?
− The relationship between the weights of the floating
body and the weight of water displaced is explained by
Archimedes' principle. According to this principle, the
buoyant force acting on a submerged or floating
object is equal to the weight of the fluid (water)
displaced by the object. In other words, the weight of
the floating body is equal to the weight of the water it
displaces.
2. What is the resultant force?

− The resultant force is the net force acting on the
system when all individual forces are taken into
account. In the context of the force table experiment,
the resultant force is represented by the arrow OC in
the parallelogram OPCQ. This force is the combined
effect of the known masses M1 and M2 and the
unknown mass M3. The length of the arrow OC can be
measured and converted to find the force it
represents.
PAGE 5
3. What is the equilibrant force?
− In a system in equilibrium, the equilibrant force is the
force required to balance the vector sum of all the
other forces. In the force table experiment, when the
forces acting at point O are in equilibrium, the
equilibrant force is represented by the arrow OP in the
parallelogram OPCQ. The equilibrant force balances
the forces due to known masses M1 and M2 and
unknown mass M3.
4. What is the Archimedes principle?

− Archimedes' principle states that an object submerged
in a fluid (liquid or gas) experiences an upward
buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it
displaces. This principle is particularly relevant in
understanding the behavior of objects in water and is
used to explain phenomena such as buoyancy and why
objects float or sink.
5. Define the specific gravity of a material?

− The specific gravity of a material is a dimensionless
quantity that compares the density of a substance to
the density of a reference substance, typically water. It
is defined as the ratio of the density of the material to
the density of water. Mathematically, the specific
gravity (S.G) is given by the formula:
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑆. 𝐺 =
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑡 𝑎 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
PAGE 6
Conclusion
In conclusion, the force table experiment provided a

comprehensive exploration into the principles of vector
addition and equilibrium forces in a two-dimensional
context. The systematic setup, incorporating the force
table apparatus, pulleys, strings, and weights, allowed
for a hands-on investigation of these fundamental
physics concepts. The experiment's objective, to study
vectors and compare experimental results with
graphical and analytical calculations, was successfully
achieved through careful execution of the procedures.
The discussion section further enriched our
understanding of related concepts such as Archimedes'
principle, resultant force, and equilibrant force. The
experimental observations and measurements,
recorded meticulously in the data table, provided
tangible evidence of the relationships between forces,
angles, and masses. In summary, the force table
experiment served as a valuable learning experience,
demonstrating the interconnectedness of theoretical
concepts and practical applications in the realm of
physics. The hands-on nature of the experiment
contributed to a more profound understanding of
vector forces and equilibrium, making it an essential
component of physics education.
References: www.depts.ttu.edu
physics.howard.edu
PAGE 7

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Force Table Lab Experiment

Abdullah Araz Nabeel | Physics Lab | 27/11/2023

1. What is the relation do you find between the

2. What is the resultant force?

4. What is the Archimedes principle?

5. Define the specific gravity of a material?

In conclusion, the force table experiment provided a

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